The historical war weapon of the Dwarves, the urgrosh is a powerful axe with a spear where the handle should be. This weapon was designed to be a useful melee weapon that could also be quickly readied for or against a charge. Although the complexity and clumsiness of such a weapon has driven modern Dwarves away from the urgrosh, some have taken up the mantle of preserving the historical value it embodies. These Urgrosh Masters have even devised new ways of using the double weapon in combat, especially against multiple enemies, and can outlast most foes on the battlefield.

Defense-oriented dwarven Fighters who wish to lead their allies into battle might find this prestige class appealing, especially those concerned with the history and lore of their race. Barbarians and rangers who use the weapon might also find it desirable.

Urgrosh Defense (Ex): When wielding a dwarven urgrosh, an Urgrosh Master gains a +1 bonus to Armor Class. This bonus increases to +2 at 5th level and +3 at 9th level.

Urgrosh Charge (Ex): A dwarven urgrosh can be used especially effectively by a charging character. On a successful hit, the Urgrosh Master deals double damage when making a charge attack. The spear head is the part of the weapon that deals damage.

Urgrosh Mastery (Ex): When wielding a dwarven urgrosh as a double weapon, the penalties on attack rolls are lessened to –1 for both the primary hand and the off hand when fighting in this manner. These penalties are eliminated completely at 7th level.

Urgrosh Whirlwind (Ex): Once per day, when wielding a dwarven urgrosh, an Urgrosh Master gains the benefits of the Whirlwind Attack feat, even if he does not meet the prerequisites. This allows him to use the full attack action to make a Whirlwind Attack using the axe head of the dwarven urgrosh, giving up his regular attacks and instead making one melee attack at his full base attack bonus against each opponent within reach. At 8th level, the Urgrosh Master may use this ability twice per day.

Urgrosh Tripping (Ex): When wielding a dwarven urgrosh as a double weapon, an Urgrosh Master may attempt to trip an opponent using the axe head of the dwarven urgrosh by making a melee touch attack. He does not provoke an attack of opportunity, and gains a +4 bonus on his Strength check to trip his opponent. If he successfully trips an opponent in melee combat, he immediately gets a melee attack against that opponent using the spear head of the dwarven urgrosh. If the Urgrosh Master is tripped during his own trip attempt, he can drop the weapon to avoid being tripped.

Master Whirlwind (Ex): At 10th level, the Urgrosh Whirlwind ability knocks prone any opponents that are successfully hit by the Whirlwind Attack.

Combat: Urgrosh Masters typically begin combat with their charge and tripping maneuvers, and use their Combat Reflexes to keep multiple enemies from moving around the battlefield and attacking their allies.

Advancement: The Exotic Weapon Master prestige class synergizes well with the Urgrosh Master, granting him additional tricks in battle.

Resources: Although there is no formal organization, Urgrosh Masters are respected by all Dwarves, and valued highly on the battlefield.

Urgrosh Masters can be found in most dwarven societies. They are often found participating in local defense, or as members of royal guard. They also may serve as military officers in times of war.

NPC Reactions: Members of other races might not be able to distinguish Urgrosh Masters from other dwarven warriors, and would treat them as they would such warriors. Skilled or educated peoples might be able to recognize the weapon, and upon seeing the Urgrosh Master in battle would understand his mastery of the weapon.

Characters with ranks in Knowledge(History) can research Urgrosh Masters to learn more about them. When a character makes a skill check, read or paraphrase the following, including information from lower DCs.

Knowledge(History)

DC

Result

5

The dwarven urgrosh is a rarely used weapon.

10

The dwarven urgrosh is a rare and ancient weapon.

15

The dwarven urgrosh has fallen out of common favor, but Urgrosh Masters preserve the history embodied by the weapon, and have devised modern techniques for using it battle.

25

The dwarven urgrosh was phased out of ancient dwarven armies because too many soldiers were accidentally stabbing themselves during battle.